Leader
Of Large Scale Drug Trafficking Organization
Is Sentenced To 50 Years In Prison

FEB 22 --
MICHAEL ANTHONY CLARK, a.k.a. “Mike Nitty,” the leader
of a Detroit-based drug trafficking organization which operated in
the Detroit area for more than 15 years, was sentenced today to 600
months, or 50 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, announced United
States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy was
joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert Corso,
United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Acting Special Agent
in Charge William Kowalski, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Roseville
Police Chief Richard Heinz. The organization was responsible for transporting
more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana from the Western United States
to the Eastern District of Michigan, and elsewhere for distribution,
as well as over 11 kilograms of cocaine. The court ultimately found
Clark responsible for distributing approximately 150 kilograms of cocaine
during the 10-year period charged in the Superceding Indictment. Clark
was convicted in November 2006, of conspiracy to possess with intent
to distribute both marijuana and cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise
from 1996 to September 2005; felon in possession of firearms, unlawful
use of communication facilities and criminal forfeiture.

As part of his
role in the organization, Clark recruited and caused others to enlist
many subordinate associates to store the marijuana in their homes,
and in stash-houses, to prevent detection by law enforcement authorities,
and to distribute the marijuana throughout the Eastern District of
Michigan, and elsewhere. Clark also enlisted others to assist him in
overseeing the drug distribution activities and collection of drug
proceeds for the organization and to further its operation through
recruitment of other members of the conspiracy to sell the drugs and
assist in the collection of drug proceeds.

This investigation
resulted in the indictment of 15 defendants and the seizure of 1200
pounds of marijuana, and approximately $2 million dollars in cash and
other assets. Clark forfeited his home, eleven automobiles and two
businesses, including Mike’s Detailing and Car Salons “II” and “III” located
at 14440 Plymouth Road and 8843 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan. United
States Attorney Murphy said, ”Today’s 50-year sentence
shows the severe penalties that await those who operate large scale
drug distribution networks like Clark's. Disrupting and dismantling
such organizations and interrupting the flow of illicit street drugs
into the stream of commerce in Detroit remains a top priority of my
office. The successful criminal forfeiture of the drug organization’s
assets in this case also sends the message that drug profits will be
taken away.”

Special Agent in
Charge Corso stated, “I am extremely pleased with today's sentencing
because it confirms that individuals substantially pay the price for
polluting our streets with drugs and the violence associated with drug
trafficking. The sentence imposed on Mr. Clark matches the severity
of his crimes. The convictions in this case finally put an end to more
than a decade of drug trafficking activities which has plagued our
community for far too long. We are committed to continue working closely
with our federal, state and local partners, as depicted in this outstanding
endeavor, to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“The conviction
and sentence in this case represents a culmination of the hard work
and investigative efforts of the agencies involved. The FBI continues
to aggressively investigate the most violent gang and drug trafficking
organizations such as the Clark organization as a top priority,” said
ASAC Kowalski.

U.S. Attorney Murphy
noted that this investigation would not have been possible without
the combined effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the Detroit Police Department, and the Michigan
State Police.